Kasich-Hickenlooper 2020? It could happen

Ohio Gov. John Kasich argues in his book "Two Paths: America Divided or United" that Donald Trump was able to win the nomination and the White House by tapping a long-term erosion in American culture.
USA TODAY

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, joined by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, speaks during a news conference at the National Press Club on June 27, 2017, about Republican health care legislation.(Photo: Carolyn Kaster, AP)

COLUMBUS - It's no secret John Kasich has been keeping his options open for a possible 2020 presidential run, even if that means taking on President Donald Trump.

Now, he might have a partner.

Kasich, the Republican governor of Ohio, is eying Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, as a possible vice presidential candidate for an independent 2020 bid. A so-called "unity ticket" has been discussed, but the two are far from making a final decision or planning an actual campaign launch, two people familiar with the conversations told The Enquirer.

Kasich and Hickenlooper, who both serve in traditional swing states, have been collaborating on proposals for reworking the country's health care system. Kasich spurned each one of his party's attempts earlier this year to repeal and replace Obamacare, often citing his desire to continue the Medicaid expansion option for lower-income adults.

The health care partnership – which might expand into immigration and economic policies, the sources said – is part of Kasich's effort to keep his name in national political conversations ahead of 2020. He is term-limited after his second term ends in 2018.

Also part of Kasich's efforts: near-weekly appearances on national politics shows, regular statements on Twitter disagreeing with Trump's policies and a book that opposes Trump's style and philosophies. He and Hickenlooper are discussing a possible television show or podcast, the people familiar with the conversations said.

Axios first reported the discussions about the joint ticket. On Twitter, a Hickenlooper strategist dismissed the report.

Nothing involving Kasich and 2020 is certain. Kasich, who is 65, himself has said another presidential bid is "very unlikely." The outlook of the Trump presidency, the status of the Republican field (and the Democratic one, for that matter) and Kasich's own doubts about the Republican Party all would weigh into the Ohio governor's decision about his next steps.

Another factor Team Kasich would have to confront: the annoyance among many Republicans at Kasich's continued criticism of Trump.

"The only plans Governor Kasich has right now is to speak out and continue to lead on issues such as health care," said John Weaver, a political strategist for Kasich, who routinely retweets people who wish Kasich were president or would run in 2020. “There are no plans about 2020 or 2080 or any other year. ...

"When you have a weak president, people start speculating about how to fill that vacuum," he said.

Hickenlooper said he "no ulterior motive" about working with Kasich.

1/3 Odd & funny that people expect a political marriage when 2 people from different parties work together…

Even though Hickenlooper is a Democrat, he has Republican roots – in Ohio, no less. He's a descendant of Cincinnati Republican Andrew Hickenlooper, a Union general in the Civil War, who later became Ohio's lieutenant governor.